SITE SELECTION

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Bracebridge Hospital Site

Huntsville Hospital Site

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How is the 40-acre Bracebridge site being prepared to support both current and future healthcare needs? Are there additional costs?

Yes, there are always costs associated with preparing land for development, but these are expected and planned for in a project of this size. Site preparation may include grading, access road work, environmental readiness, and utility connections—all of which have been accounted for in our capital planning process.

The proposed site offers up to 45+ acres of land, which means the site exceeds the recommended 40 acres for a new development. We’ve heard questions about whether a pit or major excavation is required, and the answer is no—this site allows us to move forward with the current model without those additional challenges.

Importantly, the land also meets the Ministry of Health’s requirement to plan for future expansion, should it ever be needed. So not only does it meet the needs of today—it’s a site that supports the healthcare needs of tomorrow.

Why can't you just renovate the existing Bracebridge site?

Renovating the existing site was deemed infeasible due to space limitations that prevent necessary expansions to meet modern healthcare standards and future growth. Additionally, renovations would take much longer (which has a cost impact), and significantly disrupt hospital operations, impacting patient care during construction. Building a new facility was found to be more cost-effective and better suited to meeting the community’s long-term healthcare needs.

What was the decision-making process around site selection, and who was included?

The site selection process involved over 200 engagement sessions with stakeholders, including community members, government partners, emergency services, healthcare partners, and Indigenous communities. Input from approximately 250 experts—hospital staff, physicians, volunteers, and patient advocates—was also gathered. Sites were evaluated based on accessibility, environmental impact, municipal services, and growth potential, with expert consultation from Urban Strategies Inc. The Town of Bracebridge supported Pine Street as their preferred site, aligning with the town’s strategic vision and planning objectives.

I thought the preferred site was Muskoka Beach Road, what changed?

Muskoka Beach Road was initially considered but ultimately rejected due to significant environmental constraints, including Provincially Significant Wetlands, which posed regulatory challenges. It was called the “preliminary preferred site” before the formal due diligence work had been done. The main access road would have been impacted by the provincially significant wetlands and required setbacks to avoid any environmental impact.

What about the Pine Street location makes it better?

Pine Street offers excellent accessibility near Highway 11, ensuring faster connectivity for emergency services. It avoids environmental challenges such as the provincially significant wetlands and required setbacks to avoid environmental impact, and supports community integration and future development within Bracebridge.

How does this location impact my care?

The Pine Street location enhances patient care by providing a purpose-built facility designed to meet modern healthcare standards, with improved accessibility for patients, families, and emergency services. The new hospital will include expanded surgical services, critical care services, and advanced diagnostic capabilities, while supporting long-term growth and adaptability to the community’s needs for the next 50 years.